Chapter 44: Conferment of Titles

Unlike other fastidious Frenchmen who sought out scholars to study heraldry and genealogy, Roberto possessed the distinct pride of a Florentine and a newly minted nobility earned through military service.

As he journeyed along, his mind continually crafted his family motto and coat of arms.

After several days of effort, the design of the coat of arms was finally complete.

Unable to contain his eagerness, he summoned a local tailor and described his precise requirements in meticulous detail.

A few days later, a brand-new surcoat was presented before Roberto.

It was a stark white surcoat, centered with an Iberian-style heater shield emblazoned upon it.

Silver-lined divisions partitioned the coat of arms into four distinct quarters, making it clean and legible.

With trembling hands, Roberto picked up the surcoat and gently caressed the heraldry. Tears glistened in his eyes as his lips quivered slightly:

"This is my symbol, my honor..."

Upon this coat of arms:

Green occupied the upper-left and lower-right quarters of the shield, representing one of Florence's signature colors and symbolizing his deep, lingering attachment to his homeland.

Blue graced the upper-right and lower-left quarters of the shield, representing Boulogne, the coastal city that was to become his new land to strive for.

Right in the center of the shield was painted a white sailing ship forging ahead through the waves, its sails billowing high, symbolizing the family's enterprising spirit and courage to explore.

Beside the sailing ship stood a black lighthouse, its illumination rendered in golden lines, casting light upon the ship's forward course to signify that guidance and hope would always accompany the road ahead.

Encircling the top and sides of the shield were olive branch wreaths painted in green. The olive branch, a symbol of peace and prosperity, represented Roberto's yearning for and dedication to guarding peace.

At the base of the shield, the contours of Boulogne's city walls and gates were outlined in gray lines, signifying defense and protection, meaning he would use his own strength to shield this land and its people.

Gently stroking the green sections, Roberto felt as though he could feel the warm sunlight and familiar breeze of Florence—his homeland.

It remained an eternal attachment in his heart; this green symbolized his profound yearning for his roots, the very foundation of his life that could never be forgotten no matter where he roamed.

Gazing upon the blue regions, Roberto felt a complex surge of emotion welling up within him. This city was about to become the new frontier for which he would fight.

He knew that here, he would embark on a brand-new journey of life, and this blue carried his future and his dreams.

Finally, Roberto Corsini donned the surcoat, whispering silently in his heart:

"Sail and Protect."

This was the family motto he had devised for the Corsini family of Boulogne, as well as his dream and his creed. His gaze revealed a steadfast perseverance, as if proclaiming his resolve to the world.

Indeed, what medieval man lacked the dream of becoming a knight? Yet previously, he could never let go of Florence; that lingering nostalgia for his homeland had prevented him from freely pursuing his dreams.

And now, although past affections still lingered within his heart, he had found something much clearer that he wished to protect.

He knew his destiny was now tightly intertwined with this land, and it was here that he would fulfill his true worth.

To become a true knight.

A week later, Carlo, Roberto, and their companions arrived at the city of Boulogne.

Endowed with a uniquely advantageous geographical location, the city quietly nestled along the northern coast of France, gazing across the sea toward Kent in England.

Possessing an excellent harbor, ships plied back and forth incessantly. On the docks, laborers busily loaded and unloaded cargo amidst overlapping shouts, transforming the location into a vital transport hub and a crucial node for trade.

Ancient buildings were staggered gracefully across the hillside, and narrow streets throbbed with a rich, vibrant atmosphere of everyday life.

Boulogne was not merely a city brimming with vitality, but a hill city of profound historical depth.

Its history stretched far back into antiquity, when Julius Caesar of Rome selected the site in 55 BC to establish the port city of Gesoriacum.

He used it as a stronghold for crossing the English Channel to conquer England.

Through over a thousand years of construction, the city continuously grew and expanded through the tides of time. It stood as a formidable fortress city combining ramparts and castles, as well as a beautiful coastal hill town steeped in history and human culture.

On the eve of the accolade, Resalite imparted the final squire's lesson to his squire Roberto:

"Beginning in 515, Charles Martel, the Mayor of the Palace of the Frankish Kingdom, instituted the knightly fief system, whereby vassals held fiefs for life under the condition of performing military service.

This advanced military system was rapidly established and propagated throughout Europe.

Knighthood is not merely an aristocratic institution; it is fundamentally a military system and a title of honor. With rare exceptions, squires are generally dubbed knights upon reaching the age of twenty-one.

For no matter how exceptional one might be, extreme youth makes it difficult to bear the heavy responsibilities entrusted by knightly spirit and strength.

Religion infuses Christian ideals into the armored warrior, endowing the knight with noble bearing. This transformed the chivalric institution into a universally renowned flower,

and under the influence of Christ, knights evolved into refined yet formidable warriors.

Therefore, Roberto, once you become a knight, you must not only fulfill your duties as an aristocrat in service to your liege lord, but also carry the spirit of chivalry through to the end, remaining a loyal warrior of Christ."

Straightening his posture, Roberto looked into Resalite's eyes with unwavering resolve:

"My Lord Resalite, your teachings shall forever be etched in my heart; I dare not forget them."

On the eve of his investiture, Roberto went to the chapel alone. Clad in a plain, modest robe, his steps were steady and solemn, his gaze revealing steadfast piety.

Adhering to tradition, he fasted within the chapel, keeping vigil through the night to cleanse his soul.

The chapel was suffused with the soft glow of candles and the curling wisps of sandalwood incense—silent and solemn, as if time itself had paused in that very moment.

Slowly approaching the altar, Roberto gently knelt, clasping his hands together with slightly trembling fingertips. Closing his eyes, he began to pray in silence.

He thought of the knightly crusade upon which he was about to embark, his heart filled with anticipation alongside a touch of nervous awe.

He knew that becoming a knight was not merely a symbol of honor, but a weighty and profound responsibility.

"O Lord, I am merely the child of an ordinary merchant family. All my days were spent witnessing the bustling commerce within my household, the noise and earthly smoke of the marketplace.

I once believed the trajectory of my life would unfold around trade and livelihood, much like the sons of most merchants.

Yet here I am today, trembling yet resolute, offering my prayers unto You. O Lord, look down with mercy upon me, and behold this servant who is so infinitesimal before You.

I beseech You to grant me strength, that I may possess the fortitude to face the perils and obstacles along my future path.

Grant me wisdom, that amidst the tangled and complex affairs of this world, I may discern right from wrong and make righteous choices.

Grant me courage, that when confronted with fear and adversity, I shall never retreat, but press forward with valor.

I pray that You enable me, through the long road ahead, to unflinchingly practice the spirit of chivalry.

Whether the path before me is choked with thorns or lashed by tempests, let no hardship cause me to falter, let no temptation cause me to stray from the path.

Allow me to maintain a pure and steadfast heart, to guard all that I hold dear.

I am willing with all my sword and all my loyalty to defend its peace and dignity.

O Lord, hear my cry, grant me Your guidance and protection, and make me a true knight, that I may shield all these fair things I wish to protect.

I dedicate my body and soul unto You, and unto the mission of chivalry. Amen."